FAQS

VISITING CHICAGO

I am flying to Chicago. Where can I find more information on Chicago's airports?
There are two international airports in Chicago: O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway Airport. Please click here for more information.

What's going on in Chicago during my visit?
Check out our Calendar of Events by clicking here or find out our seasonal happenings by clicking here.

When I get to Chicago, where can I get maps, brochures on tours and attractions, get restaurant recommendations and personalized service?
Please visit our two Official Visitor Information Centers. Click here for more information on the complimentary resources and assistance available.

Can I get a brochure and map on Chicago?
To request a free Chicago Official Visitors Guide by mail or view the latest edition online please click here.

I hear Chicago has some amazing shopping opportunities. Where should I shop? Click here to find out about Chicago's well-known shopping districts.

Where can I get information on Chicago's world-class museums?
You can find information on Chicago's museums by clicking here.

I understand Chicago is one of the world's greatest dining destinations. Can you give me more information?
Chicago has many dining destinations! Please click here for information.

I hear Chicago has some amazing theater! Where can I get more information?
Please click here for theater information.

What is cab fare in Chicago?
In Chicago, you pay the amount shown on the taximeter, plus any tolls. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use, and tipping is optional. The "flag pull" or initial charge is $2.25 for the first 1/9 mile, and the additional fraction of a mile charge is $.20 for each additional 1/9 mile. Every 36 seconds of waiting time elapsed is $.20. The flat fee for the first additional passenger is $1.00. The flat fee for each additional passenger, after the first additional passenger, is $.50.How do I know where I am in Chicago?

Chicago is a great walking city. To orient yourself, remember that Madison divides the city into north-south and State St. divides it east-west. Many street signs include a locator relative to this intersection. For instance, Addison St. (home to the Cubs' Wrigley Field) is 3600 North, meaning its 36 blocks north of Madison. The Cadillac Palace Theatre is at 151 W. Randolph, meaning it's about one and a half blocks west of State St. It may be helpful to know that there are approximately eight blocks to one mile. You can take a look at our Chicago maps by clicking here.

Where do I park during city events/festivals? What roads are closed?
To access an interactive parking map of downtown Chicago that searches for public parking lots and garages by address and points of interest, please visit chicagoparkingmap.com.Want to pay for parking in advance with the option of comparing price, location, and amenities? Reserve your spot now with Parking Panda, ParkWhiz or SpotHero. For road closures and updates from the Chicago Department of Transportation click here. How can I sign up for your free E-Newsletter?

NEIGHBORHOODS

How often is this section updated?
Like the rest of ChooseChicago.com, it's updated regularly as we get new information. Updates regarding business locations, closings, contact information, etc. will be once a week.

How do you decide which businesses to highlight?
Our primary objective is to focus on the cultural assets that each community holds, and help tell the story of that neighborhood to the visitor. This includes cultural attractions, architectural and historic arts, annual events, public art, as well as those destinations that have had a long history in the neighborhood. Additionally, we are a member based organization. For businesses (for-profit and non) that participate in our partnership program, their listing will also appear on the site with their corresponding neighborhood. If you are interested in becoming a partner, click here.

MEETING PLANNERS

Where can they find the convention calendar?Click here to access the convention calendar.

What promotional materials does the CCTB offer?
Choose Chicago shares your objectives in creating well-attended conventions, tradeshows and meetings and can provide you with a variety of innovative, value-added services to help you achieve your goals. Click here to learn about the tools that are currently set in place to assist you with promoting your event.

How do I order promotional materials?
Give your attendees a head start before coming to Chicago. We offer a full array of pre-convention materials to promote Chicago as the prime destination for your next event. Click here to access our order form.

Do you have any photos of various Chicago sites & McCormick Place?
Choose Chicago has images available for our members, media, travel trade and meeting planners. These images are for use only in free promotional materials such as publications, editorials, websites, presentations and brochures that promote Chicago as a visitor destination. These images are the property of Choose Chicago and may not be used for advertisements, merchandising, postcards, calendars, non-travel related collateral, and other commercial uses. Click here to view our photos.

Tell me about the new labor initiatives that have occurred.
Please click here to review detailed information recent labor agreements.

How can I get to/from the airport?
The Airport Express shuttle service provides transportation to/from the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel (which is connected to the convention center) at a service fee. This shuttle service accesses both O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. For more information please contact Airport Express at 888-284-3826 or on the web at www.airportexpress.com. You can also use public transportation via train or bus from either airport. For more information contact the RTA of Chicago at 312-836-7000 or on the web at www.rtachicago.org.

Is there parking at the convention center?
Yes, there are several parking options available. Click here for details.

What services are available for disabled attendees?
We have made every effort to accommodate people with disabilities. Throughout the complex, you will find entrances, elevators, restrooms and services that offer the accessibility that is required. Accessible parking is available in Lot A for events in South, North or West Buildings and in Lot C for events at Lakeside Center.

McCormick Place also offers onsite rentals of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, PowerChairs and oxygen equipment through its preferred mobility service partner, Scootaround Inc. Mobility equipment can be reserved in advance and will be waiting at McCormick Place during your event or can be delivered to their Chicago area hotel. Daily and weekly rates are available with operators on call 24/7 at 888-441-7575 or by visiting their website at www.scootaround.com/rentals/m/mccormickplace. For further information about setting up an onsite equipment pool, please review the information at Scootaround Mobility Solutions.

MEDIA

I'm a journalist planning to visit Chicago and need assistance in arranging my itinerary.
Freelance travel writers, and business or leisure journalists are welcome to fill out a Media Request Form for assistance.

I'm looking to contact the Choose Chicago Public Relations Team.Click here to contact the communications department.

Where can I get Chicago photos and B roll?Click here for access to photos.

PARTNER

How do I determine if a Choose Chicago partnership is right for my organization?
If you have a company or organization, are a supplier, or service provider who caters to or markets to business or leisure visitors to Chicago, your organization is a perfect candidate for a partnership with us. For more information on partner benefits, click here.

How is a partnership with Choose Chicago different from other local membership organizations?
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization for the city of Chicago. We promote our city to business and leisure travelers in targeted regional, national and international markets. Thanks to our focus on marketing to Chicago's potential visitors and our ability to reach them while in Chicago, our partners have a unique opportunity to reach out of market customers.

How can I maximize my company's presence on ChooseChicago.com?
The best way to strengthen your company's presence on our website is through a powerful and creative listing. Through our partner-based extranet, your organization will be able to craft a description of your business, amenity information, display videos and images, special awards and accolades to potential visitors.

Advertising on ChooseChicago.com is another excellent way to increase brand exposure to potential visitors. Our website is tracking to realize three million visitors in 2013. For more information on how your organization can advertise on our website, click here.

What print and digital advertising opportunities are available to partners?
Choose Chicago offers a wide range of print, digital and web marketing opportunities designed to deliver to your organizations specific needs and markets. Choose Chicago reaches three distinct market segments including travel professionals, meeting professionals and leisure travelers. For more information on marketing opportunities, click here.

What social media tools does Choose Chicago use to help promote Chicago as a destination?
Choose Chicago has officially recognized accounts with a business-to-consumer focus for Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Our Partnership Department has a LinkedIn group with a business-to-business focus.

Can individuals join Choose Chicago or only organizations?
No. At present, we only offer organization-based partnerships.

Can I become a partner if my business is located outside of Chicago?
Yes. Choose Chicago has many partners in the Chicagoland area whose organizations rely on business and leisure travel to the city. Choose is proud to operate on a global level and is open to all organizations that share our vision for increased travel and tourism to Chicago.

Where can I learn about all the opportunities made available to Choose Chicago partners?
We offer a comprehensive breakdown of partnership opportunities on ChooseChicago.com. For more information on how your organization can benefit from our services, click here.

How can I submit an event to be included in the "events calendar" found on ChooseChicago.com?
To have your organization's event considered for our daily "events calendar" please send listing information to listing@choosechicago.com.

How can I participate in Chicago Restaurant Week?
Dining partners that are interested in participating in Chicago Restaurant Week should contact restaurantweek@choosechicago.com for more information.

Do I have to be a partner to be included in Choose Chicago's mobile app?
Yes. The Choose Chicago smart phone application is only available to partner organizations.

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding partnership benefits or opportunities?
For inquiries about partnership benefits or opportunities, contact us via email at partnership@choosechicago.com or by phone at 312-567-8451.

OTHER INFORMATION

What is Choose Chicago?
Choose Chicago is the premier sales and marketing organization that promotes Chicago's world-class assets to global leisure travel and convention business to ensure the economic vitality of the City and its member business community.

This is accomplished through the sales and marketing of McCormick Place and Navy Pier as venues for major events. Choose Chicago also promotes Chicago as an exceptional destination to the tourist, corporate and meetings markets, serving all Chicago venues.

Choose Chicago works in partnership with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the City of Chicago, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Bureau of Tourism, as well as many other related associations in Chicago.

How can I market my company on your website?
The companies listed on this website are businesses that are dues-paying members of Choose Chicago. For membership information, click here.